Louis John Dionise

Louis John Dionise, lovingly known as Pappas, passed away on December 26, 2023, at the age of 95. Born in the town of St. Ippolito, Italy, Louis immigrated to the United States via Canada at the age of twenty-one. He embraced a life of hard work and began his humble journey as a dishwasher. He later joined Fata and Son’s Warehouse and eventually became the owner of multiple car washes and laundromats. Although successful in his careers, his most cherished vocation was being a loving husband to his wife, Eleanor Dionise, for 71 years. Together they raised five children who blessed them with thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Louis found immense joy working in the yard and spent countless hours meticulously cultivating his garden. He was most proud of his beloved fig trees. He patiently nurtured the trees over many years and proudly displayed them along the driveway. His hard work paid off in the abundant harvest of figs, tomatoes, and zucchini flowers which he graciously shared with his family. His love for gardening was only matched by his passion for genealogy. Pappas spent many years extensively researching his heritage and eventually authored a book that chronicled his family’s lineage as far as three hundred years.

Surviving are his devoted wife, Eleanor Dionise of Lansing; children, Cathy ( Ed )Dutcher, David Dionise, Daniel ( Ellen ) Dionise, Michael (Lisa) Dionise , 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, Sister; Assunta Caruso of St. Ippolito Italy, Sister- in – Law, Emily ( Mario) Dionise, many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Louis was preceded in death by his loving and beautiful daughter; Louanne Dionise – Dalebout, parents; Nicola and Lucia Dionisio, brothers; Guido Paul Dionise, Alfredo Dionisio, Eugene (Mary Jane) Dionise, Albert (Maria) Dionise, Mario Dionise, Sisters; Esterina (Guiseppe ) Naccarato and Rosaria ( Alfred) Spagnuolo.

As we remember Louis, let us cherish his values of faith, hard work, patience, humility, kindness and enduring bonds of family. Our Pappas will be dearly missed but his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A special thank you to Bill (RN) of Sparrow Hospice Care, Bridget, owner of Comfort Keepers, her staff for their patience, guidance, and care, and all our family and friends for their love and support.

Visitations will be held on Friday, December 29th at Gorsline-Runciman Tiffany chapel on West Saginaw in Lansing from 6- 8 pm ( with a rosary at 7 pm). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Gerard Catholic Church on Saturday, December 30th at 11:00 am. A one-hour visitation will take place prior to the service. Rite of Committal will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at St. Gerard Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Saint Gerard Father Weber Fund or the American Cancer Society.